I have been playing the clarinet for almost 3 years in the school's band program. I have not had any private lessons so I am unsure of the type of reed and size I should use. I feel it important to know because I'm in the Marching Band and are playing in different temperatures with high notes that don't sound as well as I know they can. I'm now using a size 4 in the Mitchell Lurine brand, I believe. Can you help?
2007-10-07 09:28:35 · 9 answers · asked by Ren 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
some good points here - some not so good.
The reed you play on is more a function of the tip opening of your mouthpiece than any other consideration. It's not even a little related to how long you've been playing or how good you are.
What brand you use doesn't matter as much as being able to pick the good reeds from the box and not use the not-so-good reeds. An excellent Vandoren beats an off center Laurie every day and vice-versa.
What you need right now is a clarinet teacher. Band teachers are great and many are also clarinet teachers, but your band teacher can't give you the 1:1 attention you need right now to make sure you have the right set-up for you.
In a single lesson, a clarinet teacher can tell if you have the right mouthpiece, ligature, and reed combination for you and what you need to start with to improve your playing.
If cost of lessons is an issue, talk to the teacher and see if you can work out 30 minute lessons every other week (instead of 1 hour weekly) or even just a few lessons to help get you set-up and improving.
Anyone that tells you "after x years you need to play on a #4 reed" is confused. It's more about you and what you need. There is no always right answer. That's why there are lots of reed sizes and lots of brands.
On my rosewood with a really wide tip I play on a 1.5 or 2 Vandoren reed. I also use soft reeds on the big clarinets. I have a very close tip French mouthpiece that demands a 4 or 5 reed. Most people I know playing on a medium close tip mouthpiece are using a 2.5 or 3. It's all about finding out what works for you and your setup. You need a professional (teacher) to help with that part.
2007-10-07 18:01:36 · answer #1 · answered by CoachT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rico Royal reeds are fine for beginners, but you've updated to a more advanced mouthpiece. Time for new reeds. I highly recommend the Vandoren reeds - as a saxophone and clarinet player, they're all I use. There are better reeds, but they tend to be very expensive, and typically not worth the cost increase. Vandorens will make that great sound you have from the new mouthpiece and lig even better. Vandoren also has a reed called the V12 for clarinets. If you have a music store in the neighborhood, see if they'll sell you a single reed to try before you commit to buying a whole box. Vandorens run stronger than other reeds - according to the Vandoren website, a 3.5 Rico Royal is equivalent to a Vandoren 3.
2016-04-07 09:37:07 · answer #2 · answered by Pamela 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the Vandoren brand reeds and start with a 3, as there reeds are a bit stronger. The thicker reeds will give you a great tone but it does require the proper amount of air.
2007-10-07 11:14:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been playing for 5 yrs and I use a Vandoren size 2 and a 1/2. I was told by my teacher to play on that.
You need to ask your band conductor about what he/she recommends and together you will find something that works for you!
Good luck!
2007-10-07 21:37:55 · answer #4 · answered by Pistachio 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your director if you should go harder or softer. Below is the link to a chart that compares the numbers of each brand name to show you which reeds are actually softer or harder. Scroll down to clarinet reeds and click on "Clarinet Reed Strength Comparison Chart".
2007-10-07 11:25:04 · answer #5 · answered by Maverick 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
At this point you should be using thicker reeds.
You should also have a reed knife as well, that's if you are at least in high school and you can begin to learn how to shape your reeds to better fit your playing style. This of course comes with advice of your private instructor.
2007-10-07 10:09:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
ok all these people are wrong. DON"T get the vandoren they not very good. ok and if you have been playing for 3 years you should know which size reed you are playing on too. Not to be rude, i am sure you are very good. anyway you should have started on a 1 reed when you first started and IF you have been playing for 3 years you should be on a 2 1/2 or a 3. and that I am POSITIVELY SURE of. I hope this helps! good luck to ya :)
2007-10-07 12:38:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
Dont listen to her, Vandoren reeds are amazing and they give you an amazing tone, but they're a little tricky at first, just practice on them and you'll sound great! try a size 3or 3 1/2 and be ready to sound amazing!
2007-10-07 14:08:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
the size of reed depends on the type of music = usually it is a 1 or 2 when you are experienced
2007-10-07 09:32:24 · answer #9 · answered by marchy 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋